Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style of folk music.

What the hell do you want to work for somebody else for? Work for yourself!

The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

It is always possible to create something original.

Not many composers have ideas. Far more of them know how to use strange instruments which do not require ideas.

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time.